Bill Royds, 61, passed away before sunrise on February 20, 2009, after a long illness.
Bill has made a deep impression on many people involved in a wide range of activities: statistics (his original field), the free software movement, internet security, municipal politics, love of nature and nature conservation, love of poetry, choral singing. Most of all, Bill always spoke proudly of his family, rejoicing in the blossoming out of his three daughters.
Greenspace Alliance members and friends will remember him especially for his numerous contributions to the various causes and projects undertaken by the Alliance. He became involved almost from day one, set up the group’s first web site and served as moderator of the e-mail list service. He conceived of the Poets’ Pathway as a fitting memorial of Canada’s nature poets. He served as vice-chair in 2002 and chair or co-chair in 2003-2004.
He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge in an astonishing range of fields, and what he didn’t know his nimble fingers were sure to soon locate on the internet! He was extremely generous, enthusiastic and indefatigable in sharing his knowledge and insight with others.
A memorial service was held in April in the “Sacred Space” at Beechwood Cemetery, followed by interment of the ashes at Poet’s Hill there.
Our sincere condolences go to Rhoda and daughters Amelia, Jessica, Linley and family.
The Greenspace Alliance Board
To learn more about Bill Royds:
Here is how he introduced himself on the web site on 29 July 2007.
Citation for 2006 Ontario Natural Heritage Award
On the genesis of the Poets’ Pathway
Memorial Service program (24 April 2009)
Eulogy for Bill, by Erwin Dreessen
A tribute to Bill Royds, by Lorne Peterson
The Poets’ Pathway Committee’s “Concert for Bill” (19 June 2009)
